Alice Roberts

This event looks brilliant!

Every member of this band has excellent hair

Ain’t Nothing But was the first Blues bar I ever went to in London and I was immediately taken aback by the popularity of the place. Even on a Thursday night I’d judge by the snaking queue around the block that if you’re not in by 8.30pm you’re probably not getting in at all. The measly 50 odd capacity probably has something to with the queue but if you’re lucky enough to get in on your first visit, you won’t be disappointed. The music itself is brilliant and the extremely intimate setting means all performers are game for a bit of audience participation. Oh, but as a warning to all girls who stand near the front; don’t be surprised if a busy-haired harmonica player serenades you while you’re munching your nachos – it’s standard practice apparently.

I was quite surprised by my first visit to the Comedy Store. It was the midnight show on a Friday night and I’d heard that this was peak time for rowdy rugby players and bemused tourists in the audience. Instead it was a fairly sedate crowd, mostly students, and despite one of the acts being utterly abysmal there was not one heckle. The show itself was funny enough however that was mostly down the sustained efforts of compeer Ian Stone All in all, it was a good night but it was hard to shake the feeling that I’ve seen much funnier acts for a lot less money.

This bar really does have all the splendor and extravagance that its name suggests. I’m sure that on one of their 1920s themed nights the atmosphere is buzzing but on the few occasions I’ve popped in there hasn’t been much going on. It’s a richly furnished place with a good cocktail list but somewhere better suited to a private party than a casual drink with a friend.

This place is a staple of Brick Lane, which has a great mix of quality DJs and the odd live band. In the summer the courtyard out front is swamped with young folk in brightly coloured trainers lining up to sample the BBQ and when it turns chilly there are plenty of comfy sofas inside. Vibe Bar is like a lot of Brick Lane venues, a bit grungy and tatty round the edges but with a heart of gold.

With a pleasant bar downstairs and live music area upstairs, the Lexington caters for both swish after-work types and dirty music fans. I must have fallen into the latter category as I spend all my time at the top bar where the music is played just a little too loud - or maybe I’m just getting old. One thing that’s indisputable is the Lexington’s ability to showcase the music industry’s next big thing. There’s a stew of young talent in that place, which is reason enough to like it, I suppose.